Senior Planning Officer - Somerset Council

Belmont Recruitment; Taunton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A public sector organization in Taunton seeks a Senior Planning Officer for leading and managing a diverse caseload of planning applications. The ideal candidate will hold a degree in Town Planning, have extensive experience in development management, and be a member of the RTPI. This role offers a competitive rate of £280 per day and the opportunity to influence planning in Somerset. Immediate start available.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Access to planning specialists

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in development management and handling complex or major applications.
• Sound understanding of planning law and policy.
• Ability to interpret legislation and lead on technical planning matters.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a diverse caseload of planning applications.
• Negotiate with developers to secure high-quality outcomes.
• Draft committee reports and present at Planning Committee.

Skills

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Organizational skills

Education

Degree in Town Planning or related field

Eligible for or full membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)

Job description

Overview

Senior Planning Officer - Somerset Council

Location: The Crescent, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DY

Rate: £280 per day

Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Contract Length: 6 months

Start Date: Immediate Start Available

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead and manage a diverse caseload of planning applications, including complex minor and major developments
• Negotiate with developers, agents, and legal teams to secure high-quality outcomes aligned with local and national policy
• Provide pre-application advice on both principle and detailed development proposals
• Draft committee reports and present at Planning Committee as required
• Represent the Council as an expert witness at appeals, public inquiries, and hearings
• Guide and support Planning Officers and Technicians with complex legislative or procedural issues
• Collaborate with stakeholders, internal departments, and external agencies to ensure planning decisions are well-informed and compliant
• Contribute to the preparation and testing of policies for the new Somerset-wide Local Plan

What We're Looking For

We\'re seeking a confident, knowledgeable planning professional who can work independently, manage competing priorities, and influence outcomes through informed judgement and negotiation.

Essential:

• Degree in Town Planning or a related field
• Eligible for or full membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)
• Extensive experience in development management and handling complex or major applications
• Sound understanding of planning law, policy, enforcement, and relevant case law
• Ability to interpret legislation and lead on technical planning matters
• Experience preparing and presenting planning reports, legal agreements (e.g. S106), and appeal statements
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to represent the council in public forums
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to work under pressure and to strict deadlines

Why Join Somerset Council?

• Work on some of the most complex and meaningful developments in the region
• Be part of a council committed to sustainable growth, housing, and community wellbeing
• Influence the future of planning in Somerset, contributing directly to the emerging unified Local Plan
• Supportive team environment with access to planning specialists, legal advisors, and senior leaders
• Immediate start available - hit the ground running in a role that makes a difference from day one
• Flexible working arrangements and full access to IT systems and tools

Ready to Step Into a Key Role?

This is more than a job — it\'s an opportunity to deliver planning outcomes that matter. If you\'re ready to bring your expertise to a council that values proactive, solution-focused professionals, we\'d love to hear from you.

Apply today and start making an impact immediately